Unfortunately, even for the most careful of men, there is no avoiding the occasional sore manhood – whether it is caused by an infection, injury, or just a little too much self-love. On the other hand, with a little attention to male organ care, and by avoiding some common mistakes that can result in male organ injury, men can reduce their chances of ongoing pain and discomfort.

Here are some of the most prevalent causes of sore manhood issues:

Mistake #1: Using the dreaded death grip. It is no secret that men like a little solo stroking, and in general, this is a healthy and beneficial habit. On the other hand, guys all too often rely on a tight-fisted grip, accompanied by yanking and twisting, to get the most intense sensation in the shortest amount of time.

However, following this pattern is undeniably rough on the male organ skin, not to mention the underlying connective tissue, and guys who can’t seem to get enough tend to spend a lot of time recovering – men have even had to turn down an intimate opportunity because of a male organ that is too sore after a vigorous bout of self-loving.

The solution here is to sit back – take a break for a few days, or even a week – and experiment with more subtle moves. By doing so, guys can retrain their nerve cells to respond to less-harsh stimulation, reducing the risk of pain and injury.

Mistake #2: Not washing it right (no, really…)
On the surface, the male organ does not seem that complex, and washing it should be a no-brainer… lather, rinse, repeat. However, especially for intact men, this approach overlooks an essential aspect of hygiene.

The male organ tends to accumulate dried-on body fluids, as well as sweat and environmental grime, and these materials offer a haven for bacteria – especially when they build up under the sheath. Men who don’t clean this substance away properly are highly prone to an inflammatory condition known as balanitis, which is characterized by redness, swelling, and often-intense pain.

These materials need to be washed away on a daily basis, using a gentle cleanser and a soft touch, to reduce the risk of infection and protect the delicate skin.

Mistake #3: Not using protection
Wearing a latex barrier may not be every man’s thing, but it should be. Not only do barriers prevent unwanted pregnancies; they are also the only effective way (besides abstinence) to avoid exposure to partner transmitted infections, including the fairly benign but very uncomfortable yeast infection.

Bottom line, there is no excuse for skipping the glove, both for avoiding short term pain, as well as potentially life-altering illnesses.

Mistake #4: Getting a little too jazzy
Guys who are a little too enthusiastic in the heat of the moment, or those who opt to try out some acrobatic new moves without a lot of prior planning, open themselves up to painful injuries, including blunt force trauma and torsion injury (created by sudden twisting or bending.

To avoid these injuries, it may be best to take it slow – or if it is absolutely necessary to try an exotic maneuver, to at least communicate the intention to a partner beforehand.

Mistake #5: Not using a male organ health crème
As with the rest of the body, there is no getting around the fact that the male organ tissue needs the right nutrients – vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids – to look good, feel good and function at its prime. While most of the nourishment that the male organ requires can be found in a healthy, balanced diet, most men don’t have the nutritional knowledge (or time) to create a meal plan targeting the male organ tissue.

While guys should always try to avoid junk food and follow the standard nutritional guidelines, they can also tip the scales in favor of better health and function by using a top-quality male organ health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). A crème that is enriched with a blend of vitamins and amino acids to support the male organ tissue on a cellular level. A formula that is combined with natural emollients to soothe stressed skin, speed healing of microscopic tears, and limit the formation of scar tissue is an essential part of every man’s male organ care arsenal.